Morning Jolt: Limbaugh to move Vikes to L.A.?

During the course of an interview with Rush Limbaugh, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty turned the tables and put the host on the spot. Limbaugh: "I know you're not in the statehouse any longer, but there's an issue roiling the state right now and that's the Vikings and their new stadium and how much of it should be publicly financed. The usual threats are being made: If the public doesn't chip in and build a new stadium the Vikings are gone. They'll move to L.A. or someplace." Pawlenty: "The rumor is you're gonna buy 'em and move 'em. Is that true?" Limbaugh: (laughing) "Well, uh, this interview is about you." ... In 2009, Limbaugh and St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts were among six potential ownership groups that discussed buying the Rams. However, there were immediate objections to Limbaugh's potential involvement. (Star Tribune)Comment

What's eating Albert Pujols -- contract distractions, a hamstring, something else entirely? Odd thing about Pujols' slow start in 2011 is, surrounded by Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday in the lineup, and with Yadier Molina having a career-year offensively, Pujols has more protection than he's ever had. Maybe, suggested a scout, that's factoring into his early funk: Maybe since he knows he doesn't have to carry such a heavy RBI burden, he hasn't been as disciplined at the plate. "He's not the same guy right now," the scout said. "He's pull-happy. He's not interested in going the other way anymore." Consequently, the scout said, opposing pitchers are pitching him away successfully more often than not. (CBSSpors.com)Comment

A one-time NCAA star is about to audition for his hometown team. Former Michigan State standout Kalin Lucas will be among a group of guards working out for the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, Lucas' agent, Michael Whitaker, said this afternoon. Lucas is scheduled to be joined by Andrew Goudelock (College of Charleston), Malcolm Lee (UCLA), Norris Cole (Cleveland State), Cory Joseph (Texas) and Andrew Albicy (France). Meanwhile, Pistons coach John Kuester said this afternoon that he is back in town and will help conduct predraft workouts. He had been with his family in Philadelphia since the team's season ended last month. (Detroit Free Press)Comment

1965 -- Muhammad Ali knocks out Sonny Liston a minute into the first round in the controversial rematch for Ali's heavyweight title.

1975 -- The Golden State Warriors become the third team to sweep the NBA finals, beating the Washington Bullets 96-95 on Butch Beard's foul shot with 9 seconds remaining.

1991 -- The Pittsburgh Penguins, led by Mario Lemieux, win the Stanley Cup for the first time with an 8-0 rout of the Minnesota North Stars

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